A late surge couldn't help the Akron Zips complete a comeback to pick up their ninth-straight win on Saturday, and now they'll have to start fresh on a new streak, losing 67-61 to Oral Roberts on Saturday. Akron had previously been dominating most of their competition, winning games by scores of 74-59, 75-51 and 77-47. But the Golden Eagles put forward a balanced attack and, more than that, actually got off to a good start.
Oral Roberts got things started well, leading after the first half 33-22 and only trailing at one point all game, when the Zips held a ... 4-3 lead with just under 17 minutes to go in the first. So there's that.Akron started to get hot to start the second half, trailing 48-47 with ten minutes to go. But the Golden Eagles pulled away, nailing three-straight shots to go back up another seven and put the game out of reach.
Alex Abreu led the way for the Zips with 16 points, though six of them came on free throws. He shot four-for-nine and there wasn't really anybody who stood out for Akron. There was no balanced attack, but Nikola Cvetinovic shot 5-for-7 and made his only shot from range. Oral Roberts was much more efficient, with guys like Dominique Morrison and Damen Bell-Bolter contributing with six shots from the field put through apiece.
Next, Akron will try and get back in the win column with a game against Bowling Green, while Oral Roberts wraps thins up against Southern Utah.